ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Election Commission
H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, Foreign Minister of Germany visits ECI to meet the Commission
German delegation observes ECI’s rigorous protocols and security features in EVM-VVPAT usage
A German delegation led by H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, Foreign Minister of Germany met Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Shri Anup Chandra Pandey and Shri Arun Goel at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi today. The German Foreign Minister was accompanied by four Members of Parliament namely Ms. Agnieszka Brugger, Mr. Thomas Erndl, Mr. Ulrich Lechte, Mr. Andreas Larem, H.E. Dr. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India and other officers from her Foreign Office.
Speaking on the occasion, CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar said that the idea of democracy is deeply rooted in India’s historical context and traditions. Giving an overview of the magnitude of Indian elections, he informed the German delegation of the detailed exercise that ECI conducts for over 950 million voters across 1.1 million polling stations, co-opting 11 million Polling Personnel ensuring robust electoral processes for conducting free, fair, inclusive, accessible and participative elections. He emphasized that ECI ensures disclosures and participation of political parties at every stage. Sh Kumar said apart from the logistical challenges, the disruptive impact of fake social media narratives potentially affecting free and fair elections is fast emerging as a common challenge for most Elections Management Bodies.
The German Foreign Minister while interacting with the Commission appreciated the vast exercise of electoral management by ECI in the largest democracy in the world given the challenges of diverse geography, culture & electorate in India. The Minister was briefed about the extensive use of technology by ECI in the conduct of elections broadly under three verticals of voters’ participation, political parties/candidates and election machinery logistics. She personally cast a vote through EVM during a demonstration of EVM-VVPAT functioning organized by ECI for the delegation. She, along with the MPs, keenly observed the strong security features of standalone EVMs along with rigorous administrative protocols on handling, movement, storage, operations and the process for participation of political parties at every stage of electoral processes involving EVMs.
Both India and Germany are members of the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance , Stockholm and the Community of Democracies, Warsaw. ECI’s constant endeavor is to foster a closer electoral cooperation with electoral authorities abroad alongside strengthening democratic institutions and processes with a view to deepen people-to-people linkages and promote civic education and literacy, including education for democracy. ECI under the aegis of Summit for Democracy will also be organizing the second international conference on ‘Use of Technology & Elections Integrity’ in January 2023 ahead of the National Voters Day 2023.
Senior officials from the German Foreign Office, German Embassy in New Delhi and Election Commission of India were also present during the occasion.
Prime Minister's Office
PM reiterates the pledge to preserve the planet’s rich biodiversity
(On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in a tweet said, “On #World Environment Day, we reiterate our pledge to preserve our planet’s rich biodiversity. Let us collectively do whatever possible to ensure the flora and fauna with whom we share the Earth thrive. May we leave an even better planet for the coming generations.”
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Nation celebrates National Milk Day
Minister appreciates Cooperative movement initiated by Dr. Varghese Kurien
IVF lab at Hessarghata, Karnataka and Dhamrod, Gujarat launched online
Winners of Gopal Ratna Awards for the categories of Best Dairy Farmer, Best Artificial Insemination Technician & Best Dairy Cooperative Society felicitated
The celebration of National Milk Day started in the morning with a walkathon at Anand, Gujarat after garlanding statue of Dr. Varghese Kurien. Ms. Varsha Joshi, Joint Secretary , Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying participated in the walkathon with several others involving the participants from AMUL, IDMC, IRMA, NDDB, NCDFI and Indian Immunological Limited.
After the walkathon; on arrival of the Chief Guest Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr. L. Murugan and Secretary , Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Atul Chaturvedi, they flagged off an innovative mobile milking machine manufactured by IDMC.
Thereafter the main event begun with the lighting of the lamps by Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and other dignitaries followed by inauguration and speeches. In his speech, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala appreciated the Cooperative movement initiated by Dr. Varghese Kurien and to NDDB and AMUL for maintaining the legacy and tradition of Cooperatives. It is with the tradition percolated into many other States, the Dairy Sector grew in India to become highest milk producer in the world. He also launched IVF lab at Hessarghata, Karnataka and Dhamrod, Gujarat online besides launch of Grand Start up Challenge 2.0 and web portal for Breed multiplication farm. He wished that technological interventions and innovations will usher into not only improvement in productivity but also will encourage entrepreneurship.
During the programme, he felicitated the winners of Gopal Ratna Awards for the categories of Best Dairy Farmer, Best Artificial Insemination Technician and Best Dairy Cooperative Society . He appreciated all the winners of Gopl Ratna Awards.
The Minter of states also reiterated the need for taking cooperative movement into other states and advocated vocal for local and taking local to global.
Ministry of Railways
Landmark Recruitment Drive by Railway Recruitment Control Board 
RRCB holds Recruitment Examination for over One Crore Candidates for Recruitment to Level-1 Posts
The examination is being held in over 400 centers. Each day 3 to 4 Lakh Candidates appear at the examination and the attendance is over 60%
To help Candidates reach the test centers, Google link map has been provided on the admit card
Railway Recruitment Control Board  has achieved a milestone of holding recruitment examination for over one crore candidates for recruitment to Level-1 posts . In all, 1.89 crore candidates are to sit for this examination to compete for recruitment against 62907 vacancies of Level- 1 posts. This mammoth examination has been organized by Railway Recruitment Control Board for Indian Railways. The examination is being held in over 400 centers. Each day 3 to 4 lakh candidates appear at the examination and the attendance is over 60%. It will be completed in 51 days by end of December, 2018.
Before this ongoing exam for Level- 1 posts, RRBs have also completed first stage Computer Based Test for 47.56 lakh candidates for ALP and Technician posts from 9th August to 4th September, 2018. Thus on current round of these two recruitments put together, the exam of more than 1.5 crore candidates has already been conducted so far.
Elaborate arrangements have been made by Indian Railways for this unprecedented scale of examination. The examination is online and each center is equipped with modern electronic devices so as to be as candidate friendly as possible. To ensure free and fair examination CCTV cameras have been installed in the examination halls. Apart from trained invigilators flying squads have been deputed to visit centers so that there is no unfair means adopted by any candidate. To help candidates reach the test centers, Google link map has been provided on the admit card.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve Becomes 11th Biosphere Reserve from India to be Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves
The Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve has become the 11th Biosphere Reserve from India that has been included in the UNESCO designated World Network of Biosphere Reserves . The decision to include Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in WNBR was taken at the 30th Session of International Coordinating Council  of Man and Biosphere  Programme of UNESCO held at Palembang, Indonesia, from July 23-27, 2018. India has 18 Biosphere Reserves and with the inclusion of Khangchendzonga, the number of internationally designated WNBR has become 11, with 7 Biosphere Reserves being domestic Biosphere Reserves.
Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in Sikkim is one of the highest ecosystems in the world, reaching elevations of 1, 220 metres above sea-level. It includes a range of ecolines , varying from sub-tropic to Arctic, as well as natural forests in different biomes, that support an immensely rich diversity of forest types and habitats.
The core area of the Biosphere Reserve is a major transboundary Wildlife Protected Area. The southern and central landscape, which makes up 86% of the core area, is situated in the Greater Himalayas. The northern part of the area accounts for 14% is characterized by trans-Himalayan features. Buffer zones are being developed to promote eco-tourism activities. Plantation and soil conservation work is also being carried out.
The core zone – Khangchendzonga National Park was designated a World Heritage Site in 2016 under the ‘mixed’ category. Many of the mountains, peaks, lakes, caves, rocks, Stupas  and hot springs function as pilgrimage sites. Over 118 species of the large number of medicinal plants found in Dzongu Valley in north Sikkim are of ethno-medical utility. The transition zone is targeted for eco-development activities, afforestation, plantation of medicinal herbs and soil conservation measures.
Special Service and Features
Recruitment Drive Inauguration to be Held on October 22, at Kamban Kalaiarangam in Puducherry
Honorable Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi will launch Rozgar Mela – the recruitment drive for 10 lakh personnel – on 22nd October, 2022 at11 AM via video conferencing. During the ceremony, appointment letters will be handed over to 75,000 newly inducted appointees. Honorable Prime Minister will also address these appointees on the occasion.
As per the directions of the Prime Minister, all Ministries and Departments are working towards filling up existing vacancies against sanctioned posts in Mission Mode.
The new recruits, selected from across the country, will join 38 Ministries/Departments of Government of India. The appointees will join the government at various levels viz. Group – A, Group – B , Group – B  and Group – C. The posts on which appointments are being made include Central Armed Force Personnel, Sub Inspector, Constable, Lower Division Clerk, Stenographer, Postal Assistant, Income Tax Inspectors, Multi Tasking Staff pertaining majorly to Ministry of Railways, Department of Posts, Ministry of Home, Department of Revenue, Department of Defence, Department of Financial Services and Ministry of Labour and Employment.
As a part of this programme, Tamilnadu Postal Circle is holding First National Event on Mission Nyukti  at the KAMBAN KALAIARANGAM AUDITORIUM, 260, Lal Baghadur Shastri Street, Puducherry, 605001 on 22.10.2022 at 10:30am for issuing the offer of appointments to the newly selected candidates.
Dr.Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, Honourable Union Minister of State for Finance will be the Chief Guest for the function. This is stated in a Press Release issued by Postmaster General, Chennai City Region, Chennai 600 002.
###
(
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 195.63 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 7.23 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
|
|
VACCINE DOSES
|
|

|
|
SUPPLIED
|
|
1,95,63,07,825
|
|
BALANCE AVAILABLE
|
|
7,23,07,840
More than 195.63 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 7.23 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
MSMEs should strive hard for greater indigenization in arms production. Public-Private Partnership will make India economically stronger: Ajay Kumar.
Kolkata, September 14, 2018.
India is the world’s largest importer of defence equipment, with 60% of its requirements met from outside the country. This translates into a great business opportunity for those building domestic capabilities in defence sector. As the government is keen on self-reliance in the defence sector, the manufacturers, especially micro, small and medium enterprises  and start-ups, should strive for greater indigenization in arms production. Shri Ajay Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence stated this here today. He was speaking through video conferencing at the two-day National seminar on “Defence Production: Public-Private Partnership-Focus Eastern India” organized by Bharat Chamber of Commerce  in Kolkata.
Shri Kumar said, “Make in Inida” initiative of the Central government is focusing on the indigenous manufacturing in defence industry by means of public-private partnership model, which provides vast business opportunities to private sectors. The MSMEs and start-ups should make the best use of opportunities in the sector as the government had liberalized the procurement process and simplified procedures, asserted Shri Kumar. This not only will make India self-reliant on defence procurement but will also make the nation economically stronger. In the Department of Defence Production, we treat public and private defence manufacturing firms on an equal basis and we are indeed committed to enhancing the role of the private sector in defence production, Shri Kumar reiterated and informed that we have designated nearly 275 items produced by OFB as non-core and users are therefore free to source these from the domestic private sector provided certain indigenous content level requirements are fulfilled. He also highlighted the civil opportunities in the defence sector and spoke for the creation of defence testing labs across the country with an aim to certify the new products manufactured from time to time.
Speaking on the occasion, former Air Chief Marshal, Arup Raha said, the public-private partnership in defence production will open a new door for India to become economically stronger and powerful. It is a great opportunity for the country to achieve strategic independence, job creation and economic development. Make in India, Joint venture with private sector and strategic partnership policies are major initiatives to encourage private sectors to take part in nation-building. It will also help in development of eco-system in commercial ship-building and commercial aviation industries etc, he added.
War heroes and veer naris from the Air Force, the Indian Army and the Navy were also honoured on the occasion. An exhibition on Defence Production was also organized at the premises of the venue.
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts searches on a prominent Transmission Tower manufacturing group in West Bengal
The Income Tax Department carried out a search and seizure operation on 24.08.2022 on a prominent Kolkata based group, engaged in manufacturing of Power Transmission & Distribution  Structure, Steel Structures, Steel ERW Pipes and Polymer products, etc. The search action covered 28 premises spread over West Bengal and Jharkhand.
During the course of the search operation, various methods of tax evasion adopted by the group were unearthed. A large number of incriminating evidence in the form of documents and digital data demonstrating booking of bogus expenditure and undisclosed cash sales has been found. Moreover, evidence of use of unaccounted cash for acquisition of immovable property and unaccounted cash loan, etc. has also been found and seized.
A preliminary analysis of seized evidence reveals that several shell companies have been utilised by the group to provide accommodation entries to its flagship concerns. These shell entities have been found to have routed back the unaccounted money in the guise of share capital/unsecured loan into the business of the group. In addition, accommodation entries by an entry operator through a web of numerous shell companies aggregating to more than Rs.150 crore have also been detected.
The search action has, so far, led to detection of total unaccounted income of more than Rs. 250 crore.
Further investigations are in progress.
Ministry of Finance
Amendment to the provisions of Income-tax Rules, 1962 for prescribing fees under section 234H of the Income-tax Act, 1961
Under the provisions of the Income-tax Act, 1961 , every person who has been allotted a PAN as on 1st July, 2017 and is eligible to obtain Aadhaar Number, is required to intimate his Aadhaar to the prescribed authority on or before 31st March, 2022. On failure to do so, his PAN shall become inoperative and all procedures in which PAN is required shall be halted. The PAN can be made operative again upon intimation of Aadhaar to the prescribed authority after payment of a prescribed fee.
In order to mitigate the inconvenience to the taxpayers, as per Notification No.17/2022 dated 29th March, 2022, a window of opportunity has been provided to the taxpayers upto 31st of March, 2023 to intimate their Aadhaar to the prescribed authority for Aadhaar-PAN linking without facing repercussions. As a result, taxpayers will be required to pay a fee of Rs. 500 up to three months from 1st April, 2022 and a fee of Rs.1000 after that, while intimating their Aadhaar.
However, till 31st March, 2023 the PAN of the assessees who have not intimated their Aadhaar, will continue to be functional for the procedures under the Act, like furnishing of return of income, processing of refunds etc. A detailed Circular No.7/2022 dated 30.03.2022 has also been issued in this regard.
After 31st March, 2023, the PAN of taxpayers who fail to intimate their Aadhaar, as required, shall become inoperative and all the consequences under the Act for not furnishing, intimating or quoting the PAN shall apply to such taxpayers.
Ministry of Power
EESL installs 1.25 crore LED street lights in Urban Local Bodies and Gram Panchayats across India
SLNP results in an estimate annual saving of 8.5 billion units equivalent to Rs.6800 crore
Hon’ble Prime Minister launched National LED Programme on 5th January, 2015 under which Street Light National Programme  was formulated to replace conventional street lights with energy efficient LED street lights.
Till date, Energy Efficiency Services Limited  has installed over 1.25 crore LED street lights in Urban Local Bodies  and Gram Panchayats  across India.
SLNP is being implemented in States/Urban Local Bodies  who have signed the implementation agreement with EESL. At present, EESL is implementing Street Light National Programme in 23 States and 6 Union Territories. EESL has given proposals to all States/UTs and as and when the respective State/UT administration approves the same and agreements are signed with the ULBs, replacement of street lights is taken up by EESL.
Presently 1,615 of ULBs have entered into contract with EESL for replacement of conventional street lights with LED street lights under SLNP.
SLNP so far is estimated to have resulted in annual saving of 8.5 billion units equivalent to Rs.6800 crore.
This information was given by Shri R.K Singh, Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Council of Medical Research , India and the GARDP Foundation on Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Innovation, Switzerland
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research , India and the GARDP Foundation on Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Innovation to strengthen the relations within the framework of the international scientific and technological collaboration and to promote cooperation in fields of mutual interest. The MoU was signed by India in March’2021.
Benefits:
This MoU will further strengthen relations between India and the Switzerland within the framework of inter-national scientific and technological co-operation in fields of mutual-interest.
Financial Implications:
The ICMR-GARDP Collaborations will include establishing a strategy and modalities for financial and in-kind contributions by both Parties to ensure the success of the joint objectives. Funding may be provided directly to the other Party or to the third parties engaged in Projects. All financial and in-kind contributions will be subject of separate legally binding agreements.
Background:
ICMR promotes biomedical research in the country through intramural and extramural research. GARDP is a not-for-profit research and development organisation that addresses global public health needs by developing and delivering new or improved antibiotic treatments, while endeavouring to ensure their sustainable access.
Ministry of Finance
Auction for Sale  of  ‘4.56% GS 2023’,  ‘5.74% GS 2026’,  ‘6.67% GS 2035’, and  ‘6.99% GS 2051’
The Government of India  has announced the Sale  of  ‘4.56% Government Security, 2023’ for a notified amount of Rs 2,000 crore  through price based auction using uniform price method  ‘5.74% Government Security, 2026’ for a notified amount of Rs 6,000 crore  through price based auction using uniform price method  ‘6.67% Government Security, 2035’ for a notified amount of Rs 9,000 crore  through price based auction using uniform price method, and  ‘6.99% Government Security, 2051’ for a notified amount of Rs 7,000 crore  through price based auction using multiple price method.
GoI will have the option to retain additional subscription up to ₹2,000 crore each against one or more security/securities. The auctions will be conducted by the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai Office, Fort, Mumbai on Friday i.e. December 10, 2021.
Up to 5% of the notified amount of the sale of the Securities will be allotted to eligible individuals and Institutions as per the Scheme for Non-Competitive Bidding Facility in the Auction of Government Securities.
Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution  system on December 10, 2021. The non-competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 a.m. and 11.00 a.m. and the competitive bids should be submitted between 10.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.
The result of the auctions will be announced on December 10, 2021  and payment by successful bidders will be on December 13, 2021 .
The Securities will be eligible for “When Issued” trading in accordance with the guidelines on ‘When Issued transactions in Central Government Securities’ issued by the Reserve Bank of India vide circular No. RBI/2018-19/25 dated July 24, 2018 as amended from time to time.